Published on Friday, 16 February 2024 at 10:52:00 AM
The City of Vincent will be seeking approval from Landgate on the renaming of Banks Reserve to its Aboriginal name, Warndoolier, after receiving the green light from its Boordiya Reference Group.
At the 13 February Ordinary Council Meeting, Council voted to endorse Warndoolier to replace Banks Reserve subject to consultation with the Boordiya Reference Group.
Mayor Alison Xamon and CEO David MacLennan met with the group on 14 February to discuss moving ahead with the proposal. The Elders gave their full support for the single naming of Warndoolier.
Vincent will now make an application to Landgate, who will make the final decision on behalf of the Minister for Lands.
“We acknowledge Banks Reserve is intrinsically connected to Aboriginal people and as a community, we must continue to recognise and support the history of Aboriginal language and culture along with the ongoing connection to country," said Ms Xamon.
“By capturing the original place name, Warndoolier, and the relationship the Traditional Owners have with the reserve, we will be contributing to the preservation of Aboriginal culture and Noongar language in our suburbs.
“We believe this is a significant step towards reviving traditional names of Aboriginal areas in Vincent.
“The reviving of significant site names is an important part of preserving our history and demonstrating our commitment to reconciliation."
Since 2012, Vincent has been consulting with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Elders, the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group and Aboriginal organisations on the dual naming/renaming of Banks Reserve.
Ms Xamon said Vincent received strong community feedback on the proposal, with the majority of people supporting the reviving of Warndoolier, the original name of Banks Reserve.
“We will continue to work with our Boordiya Reference Group and our community on the possibility of reviving original Noongar names of these significant sites in Vincent," she said.
“We will also be installing an interpretation node at the park, which will provide the opportunity for visitors to gain information about the history and ecology of the foreshore and surrounding environment, including Aboriginal cultural heritage information and stories."
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